SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the Polaris Dawn mission to low-Earth orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on September 10, 2024.
UCCS alum and retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet was at the helm of the endeavor.
The mission featured a first-of-its-kind commercial spacewalk, and the crew were the first to test Starlink laser-based communications in space. While in orbit, the crew conducted scientific research designed to advance both human health on Earth and our understanding of human health during future long-duration spaceflights
Kidd graduated with a master’s degree from the Counseling and Leadership program at UCCS in 2010. The program was designed in partnership with the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) to help support the training and development of USAFAs Commanders working directly with Cadets.
The purpose of the Counseling and Leadership program at UCCS is to educate, develop, and support world-class Commanders who will be responsible for creating the next generation of leaders within our Armed Services. USAFA Squadron Commanders are expected to be Leaders of Character who live honorably, lift others, and elevate team performance as outlined in the Air Force core values. The Counseling and Leadership program translates these ideas into three core educational outcomes: Modeling, Developing and Leading.
In addition to his role in the Polaris Dawn Mission, Kidd served in the United States Air Force for 20 years in various roles that include Commander of the 64th Aggressor Squadron, USAF Thunderbird #4 Demonstration Pilot, USAF Weapons School Graduate, Operational Test & Evaluation Pilot, and Flight Examiner. According to the Polaris Dawn website, he is also a command pilot with over 3,200 flying hours in the F-16, A-4, T-38, T-37, T-3, and Alpha Jet. Kidd has logged over 400 hours of combat time during Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Joint Guardian, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Resolute Support.
Joseph Wehrman, Professor and Interim Dean of the UCCS College of Education, taught Kidd while he earned his UCCS degree.
“Scott was an amazing student. He had a natural balance of technical and people skills,” Dr. Wehrman said. “During his time in the program, we had lots of opportunities for advising and conversation. I remember how his goals stood out. He told me more than a decade ago that he had plans to become an astronaut.”
Following his Air Force career, Kidd became the Director of Business Development at Draken International and VP of Strategy at Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR). He most recently served as the Mission Director of Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian mission to space that helped raise over $240 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to help eradicate childhood cancer.
Kidd is also an accomplished collegiate runner and triathlete, competing in 15 Ironman triathlons since 2000, which includes four Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
“His drive and determination were unparalleled during his time in the program as he was also training to compete in the Ironman World Championships,” Wehrman said. “It was common for him to ride his bike to campus, swim between classes, and run on the treadmill in the evening while reading materials for class.”